Evaluating the Long-Term Performance of Geosynethic Clay Liners Exposed to Freeze-Thaw
Geosynethic clay liners have become an increasingly common component in landfill liner and cover systems since their introduction in the early 1980’s. An important consideration for landfills and covers constructed in the frost zone of cold climates is the possible deterioration in performance due to freeze-thaw cycling over the design life of the liner or cover system, which can be up to 1,000 years. The literature contains several examples showing that geosynethic clay liners can withstand a limited number of freeze-thaw events, but data on long-term performance are lacking The objective of this study was to examine the long-term performance of geosynethic clay liners exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, encompassing their application as a final cover as well as a bottom liner. Laboratory analysis of hydraulic conductivity was performed after as many as 150 freeze-thaw cycles, with no appreciable changes observed. Based upon an analytical heat transfer analysis, this equates to [at least] 150 years of field service for placement depths greater then approximately 30 cm below the surface of the liner. The long-term insusceptibility of GCLs to increased hydraulic conductivity as a response to repeated freeze-thaw cycling is largely due to the self-healing characteristics of the sodium bentonite used in their construction. GCLs perform well and maintain efficiency as a barrier to flow after 150 freeze-thaw cycles. Other factors, such as permeant chemistry, physical disturbance, desiccation, etc., may be much more important factors to consider when planning for the long-term performance of GCLs.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- INEEL
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC07-99ID-13727
- OSTI ID:
- 912278
- Report Number(s):
- INEEL/JOU-04-01882; JGGEFK; TRN: US200801%%717
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 132, Issue 2; ISSN 1090-0241
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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